Hillary Clinton has many admirable qualities, but candor and openness and transparency and a commitment to well-established fact have not been notable among them. The indisputable elements of her Bosnian adventure affirm (again) the reluctant conclusion I reached in the final chapter of A Woman In Charge, my biography of her published last June:

“Since her Arkansas years [I wrote], Hillary Rodham Clinton has always had a difficult relationship with the truth... [J]udged against the facts, she has often chosen to obfuscate, omit, and avoid. It is an understatement by now that she has been known to apprehend truths about herself and the events of her life that others do not exactly share. " [italics added]

As I noted:

“Almost always, something holds her back from telling the whole story, as if she doesn’t trust the reader, listener, friend, interviewer, constituent—or perhaps herself—to understand the true significance of events…”

The Bosnian episode is a watershed event, because it indelibly brings to mind so many examples of this tendency– from the White House years and, worse, from Hillary Clinton’s take-no-prisoners presidential campaign. Her record as a public person is replete with “misstatements” and elisions and retracted and redacted and revoked assertions...

When the facts surrounding such characteristic episodes finally get sorted out - usually long after they have been challenged - the mysteries and contradictions are often dealt with by Hillary Clinton and her apparat in a blizzard of footnotes, addenda, revision, and disingenuous re-explanation: as occurred in regard to the draconian secrecy she imposed on her health-care task force (and its failed efforts in 1993-94); explanations of what could have been dutifully acknowledged, and deserved to be dismissed as a minor conflict of interest - once and for all - in Whitewater; or her recent Michigan-Florida migration from acceptance of the DNC’s refusal to recognize those states’ convention delegations (when it looked like she had the nomination sewn up) to her re-evaluation of the matter as a grave denial of basic human rights, after she fell impossibly behind in the delegate count.The latest episode - the sniper fire she so vividly remembered and described in chilling detail to buttress her claims of foreign policy “experience” - like the peace she didn’t bring to Northern Ireland, recalls another famous instance of faulty recollection during a crucial period in her odyssey.On January 15, 1995, she had just published her book, It Takes a Village, intended to herald a redemptive “come back” after the ravages of health care; Whitewater; the Travel Office firings she had ordered (but denied ordering); the disastrous staffing of the White House by the First Lady, not the President - all among the egregious errors that had led to the election of the Newt Gingrich Congress in 1994.On her book tour, she was asked on National Public Radio about the re-emergence of dormant Whitewater questions that week, when the so-called “missing billing records” had been found. Hillary stated with unequivocal certainty that she had consistently made public all the relevant documents related to Whitewater, including “every document we had,” to the editors of the New York Times before the newspaper’s original Whitewater story ran during Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign.

Even her closest aides - as in the case of the Bosnian episode18 years later - could not imagine what possessed her to say such a thing. It was simply not true, as her lawyers and the editors of the Times (like CBS in the latest instance) recognized, leading to huge stories about her latest twisting of the facts. “Oh my God, we didn’t,” said Susan Thomasas, Hillary’s great friend, who was left to explain to the White House lawyers exactly how Hillary’s aides had carefully cherry-picked documents accessed for the Times in the presidential campaign. The White House was forced - once again - to acknowledge the first lady had been ‘mistaken;” her book tour was overwhelmed by the matter, and Times’ columnist Bill Safire that month coined the memorable characterization of Hillary Clinton as “a congenital liar.”

“Hillary values context; she does see the big picture. Hers, in fact, is not the mind of a conventional politician,” I wrote in A Woman In Charge. “But when it comes to herself, she sees with something less than candor and lucidity. She sees, like so many others, what she wants to see.”

The book concludes with this paragraph:

“As Hillary has continued to speak from the protective shell of her own making, and packaged herself for the widest possible consumption, she has misrepresented not just facts but often her essential self. Great politicians have always been marked by the consistency of their core beliefs, their strength of character in advocacy, and the self-knowledge that informs bold leadership. Almost always, Hillary has stood for good things. Yet there is a disconnect between her convictions and her words and actions. This is where Hillary disappoints. But the jury remains out. She still has time to prove her case, to effectuate those things that make her special, not fear them or camouflage them. We would all be the better for it, because what lies within may have the potential to change the world, if only a little.”

The jury - armed with definitive evidence like the CBS tape of Hillary Clinton’s Bosnian adventure - seems on the verge of returning a negative verdict on her candidacy.

- Carl Bernstein, 360° Contributor Editor's note: Read other blogs from the 360° team of contributors at cnn.com/360

soundoff(800 Responses)

qin

I like the Chinese way of doing things, and i like what Obama and his suppoters are saying, that Hillary should withdraw from the race.
In China, we'd have made Hillary withdraw from the race forcefullly two months earlier just after the super-Tuesday!!
Hillary's supporters will say that it is un-democratic to stop the process of primary election right in the middle, as the contest is close.
My argument just like every Obama supporters feel is what is the need of that kind of democracy and free speech right, when it causes only more infighting, anarchy, division and diverts the attention of the people from the main issues.
We need Chinese kind of democracy, not this Hillary's way of democracy, where every person's vote needs to matter, but at the cost of peoples sanity!!!

March 26, 2008 at 1:04 pm |

T. Kress (Maryland)

Well written, its time people in this country started realizing just what type of person and potential leader they are supporting. The last thing this country needs right now is Hillary Clinton in the white house.

March 26, 2008 at 1:04 pm |

beans in Belize C.A

It is so amazing after Hillary is caught lieing, you still have so many people defending her lie. What is wrong with those poeple? And what is wrong with her "misspoke"? If she did not remembered anything about the trip, what happened to the CLINTON LIBRARY do some research!!! And stop misleading the people.

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

chris

CHARACTER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE HERE. ISN'T THAT WHAT WE DISLIKE ABOUT BUSH..THAT HE WASN'T HONEST ABOUT THE WAR? YET HERE SO MANY DEFEND HILLARY BEING DISHONEST? COM'ON FOLKS..AT LEAST BE CONSISTANT.

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

Kathy in Texas

I am surprised by how polarized the Clinton and Obama supporters are becoming. What I see is that the people who have already made their minds up are finding ways to blame the other side when anything bad happens to their candidate. For either candidate to get elected they have to be able to withstand whatever comes their way. The Republicans will be far worse than what we have seen so far. Everyone please take a deep breath and please stop threatening to vote for McCain. I admire him but I know that Karl Rove is advising him. His tricks will be far dirtier than anything we have seen so far. I am for Obama and work hard not to say anything bad about Hillary.

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

Tim V

Not only do I consider Hillary's 'mis-statements' to be outright lies to prop up her assertions that she has substantial foreign policy experience. I found her response to this controversy to be glib and dismissive in a manner that is much more telling of her character or lack thereof.

Obama will win the nomination because he gives so many people hope of the America dream of. I have voted Republican across the board for 20 plus years. Yet now find myself jumping the isle at the risk of future policy departures that are counter to many of my base ideological views(taxes, social programs, etc.) I choose to do this because I still am a believer in the union we 'might' become. To me, Hillary represents the sickness within our political system that 'has' become the status quo.

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

Reg from Philly

Its really very simple. You have to trust your leaders. And we can not trust Hillary any more. Just like we can't trust Bush. Obama stands for change – and thats what we all need – a break from the past. An echo of her own words "its time to step down."

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

JK from Ohio

She lied until she got caught, then she "misspoke". She has the same 'I deserve this' power hungry look in her eyes that Bush did, and look where it has taken us.

Obama should just ignore Hillary for the remaining months of the campaign and concentrate on communicating solutions to the big issues. Ignoring her constant cackling would deflate the Clinton tag team.

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

W

I am tired of the bashing on Clinton as well. Obama has had an easier road through the media throughout this whole campaign and the one time there is a controversary, heaven forbid,about him the media tries to spin it and bash Hillary more.

Why do people HATE her so much? Do they hate her becasue of BIll?
What's worse some oral pleasures by someone who is not his wife at his desk in the Oval Office; come on now if you were president you'd be pining for the same thing too......or the fact that we are now faced with 4000 american deaths in Iraq, an economy that is below weak, the dollar that can't even hold itsown wieght with the canadian dollar, our personal freedoms that are at risk, a deficit so large that even China or Suadi Arabia can't bail us out of, you can't afford to put gas in your car(which didn't we go to war with these clowns so that we could control the oil), and I could go on for hours about this person who should have never been in office in the first place..........

Stop hating!!!! move on and take care of the things that you cna control in your own life...

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

Jimmy O

Please don't say anything bad about Hillary. Please vote the Clintons for a third term. It is their birth right, they deserve it.

We have to allow the Bushes and Clintons to continue to rule us, that is our DESTINY, we do not deserve better.

Go Hillary.. Hillary for President. She brought peace to the Northern Ireland, She fought back snipers in Bosnia whilst serving as a combat pilot in the airforce/firstlady. She has passed the "COMMANDER-in-CHIEF" threshold. READY ON DAY ONE!!

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

E. McLeod

It's amusing to me that the current administration gets away with some of the most repulsive and damaging lies in the history of our country. Yet, Hillary lies about sniper shots and it's front page news.

Go American Media!

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

Rob North Carolina

How can anyone honestly believe this lie as well as the others in which Hillary has spewed out of her mouth, not be significant? Trustworthy, loyalty, respect of others are not her strongest qualities, with her lies, fake tears, and being a master of spin. She deserves an Oscar not the Presidency

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

nowlin w.wells

Hillary should comment on the picture of Bill and Rev.Wright. She should
comment on Mr.Obama's fund raising for Mr.Clintons' presidential campaign.She should comment on the Black pope who put Easter on
The calender, or the Black Pope who made it possible for the christians
to stop being pursecuted by the Romans.
This woman is unique about what she expounds on people, She goes
well with Mr. Carville this would be a real blow to the free world.

March 26, 2008 at 1:03 pm |

Jon

Difficult Relationship with the truth? We used to call such a person a LIAR.
Commitment to well-established fact? We used to call such people DELUSIONAL.
Being named for Sir Edmund Hillary – before he was famous?
Dodging sniper fire in Bosnia – while calmly walking the tarmac & greeting children as caught on film?
Whitewater? Travelgate? Healthcare fiasco? Peace in Northern Ireland?
She doesn't belong in the Whitehouse, she needs to be in the NUTHOUSE.
And who DO we want answering the phone at 3AM......

Jon in Texas

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Antonio

I used to support Hillary over Obama. That is until I started paying attention. The more a saw, heard, read, the LESS I liked her. My final conclusion is that she is just a regular, washed out, sophomoric polititian that's sole popularity is based on her last name and that she is a woman. She has no experience, no candor, no judgement.

Ready on day 1? Phonecall at 3AM? She already received that call, in the middle of the day, with plenty of time to think (not day 1), with a good night's rest, with the oportunity to review intelligence reports, and she still failed!

Why I like Obama now? He demonstrates leadership. He is refreshing and speaks to Americans like ADULTS. He seems to have the courage to shake this corrupt, rusted govt. Haven't you noticed that politicians (and Hillary) speak as if they were speaking to 10 year olds?

Your argument that the media is unfair to Hillary is the same argument that Republicans make about them too...maybe is because Republican just give the media more dirt to report about, maybe Hillary just isn't as good as OBAMA.... right, right, maybe the media has a secret conspiracy organized with the Obama campaign.

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Peg Welch

I'm sick of it all! Both candidates are flawed, which confirms they are human beings, right?

We need for the super delegates to come in and end this thing way before JUNE. We Dems are "eating our own" by continuing in this daily, hourly, utube, TV, newspaper, internet negative, divisive political conversation.

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Peachy Keen

Thank goodness, it seems people are finally realizing the truth about Hillary, she is as dishonest as they come. Hmmm, who does that remind us of, oh yea, eight years of Bill and eight years of Georgie.
And frankly, it has probably been so long since Hillary listened to a sermon, she couldn't tell you what it was about.

Go Barack!

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Thomas Eatmon

I get so tried of reading, if Hillary don't win the nomination than I will
vote Republican. That is your right and you must live with your chose.
The question I pose to you is, can you live four more years with the
country being like a rubber band? Liable to break at anytime. High
prices on things you must have and never ending wars. Still I say
vote as you please but live with your consequences.

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Larry

Enough, I've tried to stay with Hillary, but now longer the staw has been broken, like many super delegates, this one voter is going with Obama!

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

LeAnn

I am so glad that members of the media are finally taking Hillary to task on her so called "experience". She was first lady, not the president. She didn't negoitiate with foreign leaders, she attended women's conferences.
Any candidate for president will be learning on the job. There isn't another job like it, so if you've never been president you'll get an awful lot of on the job training.
Hillary's "experience" is a lot of smoke and mirrors and it is embarassing the way she has been trying to beef up her resume.

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Martha Andrews

After hearing that OBAMA sent a letter (note) to Canadian government telling them, "not to listen to what he says during primary that it's to win the nomination" and knowing that the Republicans (all-mighty–always "right") after all those 8 yrs couldn't find anything to "PIN" on Hillary–then I think they are even.

The only questions I have for OBAMA is he prides himself on being "above the old politics" but then tells a government to "not listen to what I say during primary" what else is he hiding?

I think we have to choose (as normal lately) the lesser of two evils".

I am really sick of no news of anywhere else in the world or this country except the PRIMARY–fed up and really tired of it!

The Democrats are giving the "right" the ammunition for the main race against the Democrats in NOV. and may well cause this country to suffer another President that only cares for BIG BUSINESS and people earning over $200K .

What horror that this great country can't come up with another Kennedy or statesman has a high IQ and doesn't owe his career to come LOBBY! Where are the GREAT Americans? OH–they aren't cute in jeans and/or aren't so photogenic so Americans won't vote for them. That's the only reason I can fathom that they voted for Bush twice!???

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

mark

Honestly, both are fatally flawed:

Hillary and her truth issues and there is no way middle of the road
America is going to elect Obama and have its president attend a church like that.

The best the Dems can hope for is a stalemate at the convention and a compromise candidate.

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Glen

If Hillary Clinton is telling the truth when she said she erred in describing the Bosnia trip due to being sleep deprived, what will she do when she gets "that phone call at 3 a.m.?

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Tim

It's funny. The facts are laid out in this article and yet all of the Hillary supporters are doing exactly what she does; distrort reality for her own good and see things through her own lense.

You Clinton people think she is a savior. You want her to be president because she is a women, despite the fact that she doesn't have any more "real" experience than Obama, in fact probably less. Being a first lady does not count as experience. You can't say you were a part of all things good and had nothing to do with things that went wrong. She is a pathetic, as are her supporters who can not be objectively. Everything with Hillary is a subjective, emotional reaction. Look at the facts people. See beyond you nose.

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Sabina

Hello Carl:

I awoke still disturbed by the way the Dems are behaving..it brings out the worse in humans..and yet, NOW is the time for quiet, thoughtful minds. Is it the media that fans the flames to cover each second of each minute of air time?

The art of the obvious: Hilary cannot win..it would be a REAL SHAME if she did.

Americans would be going backward..at a time when all minds should focus on Peace and Truth. (yes, politics is politics) BUT I think that Senator Obama can* change that! ..or try to. He can handle himself with the Republican McCain, including the Pastor thing. (many agree that the McCain-Bush Team is helping vote her in – because it will be much harder to win against Obama, in November.)

IT IS HE, who has already made history – LOOK at the turn out of first time young people coming into this democratic process.

So, how do the American people and the DNC call on the Clinton Senator to "give it up"? I am a woman; I was a hardened feminist. BUT I cannot get over the terrible example Hilary set up for our young women..she STAYED with the abusive husband (a Lying husband) who was continually unfaithful (infidelity is an abuse, especially while in the same house*) Now, she speaks that she would not stay with THAT pastor! ooh, that makes my tummy upset!

I hope the Majority insist that their vote was cast – and (although legally even pledged delegates can change their mind at the convention) that Barack Obama will lead us into a healing, globally respected Nation, and a careful* withdrawal of our selfless Troops will happen. IT MUST HAPPEN – for the well-being of our future.

Warm Regards,
Sabina

___________________

My Dad is voting for her! Arrgh! BUT when I asked him if it was really Bill Clinton whom he was voting for – a not a woman – he answered “well of course”.

He IS 85, a white male senior citizen and that is the huge part of Hilary’s base..old timers (White, Hispanic, etc.) who vote for what* they typically know; vote on memories of the past)

Despite or perhaps in spite of liking BC from the neck up..I would normally* HOPE for a woman President – just not this time, not with this woman.

.

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Karl

The video shows her on the tarmac with her daughter smiling in a dress and no apparent bullet-proof jacket at all!!!!!

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Willo - Ottawa, ON, Canada

I watched Sen. Clinton's response on Rev. Wright and came to this conclusion.

While she says she's responding to a question...I could'n't help it...Was it me or was she not reading from her well choreographed answers...

March 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm |

Toni

Mr. Bernstein, I applaud you for speaking the truth about Hillary Clinton. Bill Clintons administration was loaded with lies, scandal and nontransparency. Hillary Clintons administration would surely be the same. Barack Obama is such a breath of fresh air. Why would we want to go back and continue another Clinton administration. It's time to bring a new perspective and fresh ideas. I am a 51 year old, white female who voted for Barack Obama in the Iowa caucuses and continue to support him. Thank you.

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

Rockymo

At the start of this campaign I wanted Hillary but then I started to prefer Obama but would have still supported Hillary if she got the nod. No more-Hillary and the Billary team have displayed a side of them that I thought was only propaganda by the GOP. I don't believe it is and I do not blame the media. While I dislike Bush immesely and dread a Mc Cain presidency I cannot in good conscience vote for a person (and team) who act just like the GOP who they pretend to loath. If she gets the nod I will not vote for her or Mc Cain. I think I will just stay home...like many others who no longer want leaders who are all about ego and put themselves before the good of the country..to win at all costs

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

LW57

Anderson

I find it interesting that I have not seen any negative press by you or CNN on Obama concerning the statements he made on your 360 show claiming that he never heard Rev. Wright say those horrible things and two days later Obama does a 360 (no pun intended) and says why yes I did hear him say that. All politicians tend to stretch the truth a bit that is how the game is played so Hillary Clinton stretched the story a bit big deal it happened twelve years ago . The truth is Obama has too many unknowns in his background and has stretched the truth on more than one occasion plus his flip flopping with the Wright controversy will just make it harder for him to win the general election in the fall. We need a commander and chief that shows some moxie when it the economy and international affairs not one who wants to have the American people sit around the camp fire hold hands and sing Cumbiya while our country is going down the tubes.

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

Dave

As a New Yorker I have supported HRC many times, including initially in this race. However Obama continues to impress and HRC continues to digress. Now she's ripping the party apart.

Hillary...please go back to being my Senator. Admit you lost fair and square and live to fight another day. Too many Republicans despise you, and the only chance to win was with a mandate from the Dems. I hoped you would get it. You clearly are not.

I feel like I did when I asked my family to agree to put my dog down. HRC supporters...it's time we unite behind Obama and move on. Hopefully HRC will learn from this and be the leader we need her to be.

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

tiger

"What does it matter that she embellished her trip to Bosnia? It isn’t hurting anything! All of them embellish on a lot of things! Why are you all picking on her!? I bet if you searched through Obama’s trash you’d find stuff he lied about!

Give it a rest and get back to the real issues PLEASE!!
We do not care about this!! All of your picking through and analyzing this crap to death every night on 360 is taking away from the time that we could be hearing about the real issues that matter! Get over it!!"

Are you serious when you say what does it matter if she lied about Bosnia? Well, let me tell you what matters, as it was pointed out in this article she has lied about a LOT of stuff ! Stuff that she doesn't even need to lie about and that's a bit scary when you think about this person REPRESENTING the American people. After reading about her record, it's a pretty fair assessment to say that she will at some point (if elected) LIE to the American people to protect herself or Bill or whatever she is lying about. Her response to the latest lie was, sorry, I misspoke, I'm human. Human or not, lying about an incident such as landing in sniper fire and running for your life is a HUGE embellishment of the facts that were captured by CBS news, I bet Katie Couric hated talking about this story, she is a staunch Hillary supporter. And if she is willing to throw the MILITARY under the BUS on a lie while she was first lady; what do you think she will do to the military if she is President?! One thing has become quite evident to me about Hillary, she has NO INTEGRITY just like Bill.
Obama '08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

eileen hannigan

This is so true. Hillary, after all these years can't resist telling lies and she is so into denial. From Jen Flowers to Monica Lewinsky she was in denial. Her campaign is such a joke. Her reps change the subject when asked a serious question or else they start throwing more mud Sen. Obama's way. The Clintons, I am afraid, are done! No one beleives a word any one of them says. Carl Benstein is so on the money. His words ring so true!

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

neil

It should come as no surprise that she lies. She can't tell the truth about Obama either, she distorts and misrepresents and twists stories to fit her goal. And I WAS a Clinton supporter at one time. Never again!!

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

James

What's amazing in all this is the amount of women who dillusionally support Hillary even though she's clearly not qualified to be president. Maybe it's because you can identify staying with a person who can be an embarrassment (you talk about Obama with Wright, how about Hillary with Cheater Bill?). Maybe it's because you can identify with lying about your experience at work for personal gain. Maybe it's because you all feel you are due. Maybe it's because you can identify with an irrational woman who cries when 'everyone's ganging up on me'! I mean, if Obama cried like that, the race would be over. If Obama had 18 different psychotic personalities like Hillary, again, over. Make no misstake, I'll cross party lines for War Monger McCain before I give one shred of thought to Hillary! She's unfit and she's psychotic, pathological and evil!!!!!

P.S.
Listen to the entire Wright speaches before you condemn the man. Don't say you understand, until you hear the man.

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

JT

To use the words of Roger Clemens, she didn't lie, she just misremembered.

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

Stu

A significant issue in this episode is the certainty with which she originally stated the events. All people can be uncertain about unimportant events over a decade ago. Did I attend a party? Did I speak to you about that? Who first told me something important? That is perfectly understandable.
My concern is that she described a truly significant and memorable event which never happened. I assume she has evaded sniper fire as often as most of us outside of the military, which is never. I strongly doubt that Hill has ever had to duck from gunfire and dive into a waiting vehicle but the fact that she 'remembers' doing so (when it never happened) is enourmously disturbing. In this case she either intentionally lied or, as Mr. Bernstein describes, is disconnected enough from the truth that she has troubles distinguishing between it and fiction.
I would bet a certain former NFL star – accused of murdering his ex-wife and her male friend in Brentwood – suffers similarly.

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

Katy

The media has done a very poor job again this year and once again it will be the electorate that pays. With all the time to research and vet candidates, the news they play is very biased, inflammatory, and divisive. This does NOT serve the American public well, no matter who your choice of candidate is.

It appears from the bulk of the above comments that whoever has architected Hillary Clinton as being "the root of all evil", "congenital liar", running a "scorched earth campaign" has been very successful. I don't think all of this can be attributed to her words and actions.

When Obama is the nominee in 3 months, I'm sure we'll begin to get a clearer picture of who he is. Judging from the Michelle Obama comments, the Rev. Wright issue, the most liberal voting record and MoveOn.org endorsement, and now the stories of him co-opting legislation to make it appear he was more legistatively active then his slim record represents I don't think we'll be in for a "good" time either. The Republicans are going to have a field day either way.

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

Kim

Sadly, both Democratic presidential candidates lied, misrepresented facts and played dirty politics (also McCain, the Republican nominee as well). What is Whitewater for Clinton is to Rizko for Obama (and the Keating Five for McCain). Obama, too, on a number of occasions, misspoke or lied about passing nuclear waste and immigration reform legislations, about initially not ever hearing Rev Wright's inflammatory speeches, about his stance on NAFTA and withdrawal of troops (his advisors contradicted his remarks on the campaign trail), etc. So, Obama is not any better than Clinton in terms of honesty. Let's just focus on the issues and get America back on the right tract!!!

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

Trip

It's called delusion, specifically, in her case "delusions of grandeur". After eight years of this very same symptom, which brought us war, recession, and a collapse of government services such as education, I would vote for anybody with a strong grasp of objectivity and truth at this point. Unfortunately, Hillary displays many of the same character traits as does Bush, albeit wrapped in blue rather than red. But even the best intended ideological leanings will result in disaster without judgement, honest self-awareness, and an open mind on the part of our leader. It is clear that Hillary does not pass this test, and her track record displays a consistent failure of leadership, which, more than experience for the sake of experience, is the essential quality that our nation so desperately craves.

March 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm |

Independent Thinker

Everyone contemplating a choice for the Democratic nominee and posting on this message board should be more thoughtful in your conclusions. Many of you post sound bites fed to you by the media. Several of you have ranted like idiots against one candidate or the other only to expose your initial bias. "Obama is this" and "Hillary that". How many of you have done your own research on the two candidates? How many of you have analyzed the candidates actions and statements independent of media commentary, and made decisions on your own? It's obvious that not many of you have. Prime example of why the Constitution contemplates an electoral college that can elect the President country to what an irractional electorate can come up with. This may be the year that option should be exercised.

An objective comparison of the Democratic nominees put Sen. Obama on much firmer ground with respect to the following: honesty, sincerity, forthrightness, ability to unite and inspire, and placing the welfare of his constituents over his own. Unlike most of the opinions individuals have spouted, I will provide clear support for my position. There is no evidence to date that Sen. Obama has been untruthful about Rev. Wright, Resko or Resin, or that he doesn't love his country and countryman. Media reports have done an excellent job shaping the facts to create an fog of questionability about Sen. Obama's so-called scandals, but there is nothing concrete available. Contrast that with repeated accounts of an event in Bosnia that are so far from the scene captured on video and corrobarated by several eye-witnesses. Sen. Obama presented his earmark request records and tax returns. Contrast that with continued delay in the release of Sen. Clinton's information. Sen. Obama has consistently appealed to voters who don't traditionally vote Democrat. Contrast that with Sen. Clinton's appeal to the very narrow demographic of older white women above the age of 50 and historical fued with members of the Republican party. Granted, Sen. Obama has not been in a position to choose to sacrifice himself for the good of the Dem. Party or the American electorate (as we are suffering immensely due to this joke of a primary), but Sen. Clinton has a 5% chance to win the nomination and no way to separate herself from Sen. Obama by the issues. With those facts, she knows her choices are to attack him personally and hope some irrelevant scandal befalls him, or concede with class and dignity for the good of the Dem. Party and the American public. This strategy has and will continue to hurt the Dem. Party in the general election. Yet, she's chosen to "fight on" under the guise of enfranchisement for the remaining States. Further, when Sen. Clinton was the presumed victor of the nomination way back when, the campaign was positive. Sen. Obama played clean politics and still found himself in the lead after reeling of 10 plus primary victories. Then the campaign turned into this circus that is today. We are in the gutter, and you should all ask yourselves why and how we got here?

Reasonable people could see this thing clearly. But unreasonable drones, simply lap up the gruel fed to them by the media, particularly if it suits their own pre-disposition. It's a shame. At any rate, this country will ultimately get the President it deserves. Those who choose to make unconsidered decisions based on what others tell them is right or wrong, deserve only to be treated without respect and regard.

March 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm |

Carol Levey

I applaud Carl Bernstein for his insightful statement and Anderson Cooper for bringing to light on a daily basis the importance of telling the truth. At the breakfast table this morning, I discussed with my children, ages 8 and 11 (and Hillary Clinton supporters) the important news of the day and that in fact, their candidate had lied about something on several occasions. Interestingly enough, both children had been grounded recently for not telling the truth about something and therefore, this issue was top-of-mind. The eight year-old immediately said ' well if Hillary can lie and not get grounded why should I be grounded for lying?" What is poignant about this statement from the mouth-of-a-babe is that a woman who is also a mother is lying to the American public, and yet seemingly there are no consequences. Now, what shall I tell my children about lying should this candidate actually become President of the United States? I suggest that Mrs. Clinton either be grounded for her lying or face a debate of eight year-olds moderated by Mssrs. Cooper and Bernstein as that would be "Raw Politics" at its finest!

March 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm |

nilo

let's put it this way fellas...if you were going to a bypass-heart surgery who would you prefer to do it...to a surgeon with more experience or to a surgeon just recently graduated and/or passed? think america...it's your call

March 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm |

Tim Scanlan

Telephone in the White House master bedroom at 3:00 AM: RING! RING!

Hillary: This is President Clinton, may I help you?

Caller: Madam President, this is General Smith. We have just learned that the North Koreans have launched a nuclear attack aimed at New York City, the Iranians have invaded Iraq and the Chinese have demanded that the United States buy back all of our Treasury Bonds!

Hillary: Bill, it is for you.

March 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm |

Pat

I am so confused because both Democratic canidates have flaws. Obama has over passionate supporters but is young and new. Not many known scandals if any at all.

Clinton has over passionate supporters and legacy of ommitting the truth and hiding things. Lots of scandals .Lewinsky, Bosnia, Watergate and who knows what else.Plus, a hidden current lawsuit against her.

I think we all have to remember we are not voting for Bill Clinton. Its HILLARY CLINTON! Once that is realized Obama( as long as he chooses his advisors carefully )is the clear choice. OBAMA 08!

March 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm |

Brian

What does it matter if she lies? Well maybe it doesn't. Maybe character means nothing. Maybe honesty means nothing. Maybe the ends do justify the means. So you're saying you don't care about the integrity of the person you elect or the company you keep. Then don't complain that this country is headed in the wrong direction and you need change. What needs changing is your attitude that character doesn't matter.

March 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm |

Rob North Carolina

How can anyone honestly believe this lie as well as the others in which Hillary has spewed out of her mouth, not be significant? Trustworthy, loyalty, respect of others are not her strongest qualities, with her lies, fake tears, and being a master spin. She deserves an Oscar not the Presidency

March 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm |

Vern

Hillary Lied and that's all there is to say!

March 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm |

Bill A White of Texas

The bottom line is this: truth matters, being able to tell the truth to oneself is paramount.
Hillary can't or won't and that shows the fundamental problem with her character and her ability to lead this nation that is starving, after the Bush lies and obfuscation, for both candor and truth.

March 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm |

Dave M.

Hilary flat out lied. She never had to run from any plane ducking cover from enemy fire. Mispeak would be if she got countries names mixed up. Not totally inventing something out of thin air.